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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-05-20, Page 3Godench Signal -Star, Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - Page A3 Carlow light proposal extinguished at council Cheryl Heath sun media A proposed flashing yellow light for Carlow is a no go. Huron County's committee of the whole rejected the proposed installa- tion of a yellow light at the intersection of Blyth Road and Lucknow Line upon the advice of the county's planning de- partment at its May 13 session. The news was not a welcome one to Lynn Depatie, owner of the Callow General Store, who was on hand for the session after first appearing before the county's April 8 COW session in order to ask for the light's installation given the number of speeding motorists that rip through the intersection. Yet, public -works director Dave Lau- rie says flashing lights do not deter speeders and, in fact, may give pedes- trians a false sense of security. In preparing a report for COW, Mike Alcock, county engineering technolo- gist, reports that he contacted the OPP, only to learn there had been three ac- cidents in five years. However, he says, since Depatie's first visit, the OPP have performed Op- eration Carlow resulting in an average speed reduction to 68 km/h through the 60 km/h zone rather than the previous average of 80 km/h. As for the light, says Alcock, "it's not warranted." Coun. John Bezaire (Central Huron) questions the cost of the light. Laurie says the installation would be from $12 to $15,000, while it would cost about $150 a month to maintain it. "The cost of the light is not so much a factor as it's not warranted," says Lau- rie. "It gives people a false sense of se- curity." Laurie adds that by installing a light, the county could be opening itself up to liability since pedestrians and motorists may think they're safe. If something were to happen, he argues, it could then be considered partially the county's fault for erecting the light. County Warden Ken Oke argues that if a light is erected in Carlow, there are at least 25 other areas in the county that are in need of attention. Meanwhile, Laurie notes one possible step in the right direction for Carlow is to reduce the in -village speed limit to 50 from 60 km/h. However, he cautions such a move could mean more motor- ists will be fac- ing pricey racing charges since the OPP are able to lay those in situations where motorists are travelling 50 km over the posted limit. "It's the local people that'll be paying the fines," argues Laurie, add- ing it's his belief most small-town speeders hail from the communities in which they are speeding. The COW unani- mously endorsed the planning de - Town Hall update right on schedule Dave Sykes signal -star publisher Construction on the town hall project on West Street re- mains on schedule and within financial parameters council learned at its regular meeting Monday, May 11. Architect Alan Avis told council that the project re- mains on schedule and that crews are still working to- wards a December 17 com- pletion date. "Financially we are about 22 per cent through the to- tal value of the project,' Avis said. "There have been change orders and allowanc- es within the dollar amount and in fact, under the amount. It's re- ally shaping up quite nicely." Construction crews are com- pleting • the well system on site and nearly half of the geother- mal wells are now in place. It "There have been change orders and allowances within the dollar amount and in fact, under the amount. It's really shaping up quite nicely" - Town Hall project architect Alan Avis takes one and one half days to dig each well and Avis estimated that 16 of the 32 wells are now completed. • Great Cars. Great Rates. Ask about our great daily, weekly and monthly rates! CaII or visit us today! Highway 21 south of Goderich at Hyundai of Goderich. 519-524-1795 ar Rental A Licensee of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. or its Affiliate. "The wells are 250 feet deep and will be located under the parking area," he explained. " Water will be piped through the wells and circulated to a heat exchanger. So. In effect, water from the wells will heat and cool the facility." The cost to operate the heating and cooling system will be limited to the elec- tricity required to activate fans and pumps. It is the samesystem that was installed at`the Maitland Recreation Centre and Avis explained that drilled wells are more effective. 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